The number of stray dogs wandering around Cambridge is on the rise - and the top three breeds being dumped has been revealed.

A total of 100 stray hounds were seized by Cambridge City Council in 2014. Of those 27 were re-homed and eight were put down

Last year the total number of dogs rounded up by wardens rose to 143 - 31 were given new homes and 10 were put down.

So far this year, 89 have been retrieved, with 16 taken in by new owners and none killed. The rest of the dogs were returned to their owners.

Staffordshire bull terriers are dumped more than any other breed.

In 2014, the top three types of dog dumped were Staffies - of varying breeds - and cross breeds with a total of 31.

Last year Staffies topped the list again, at 25, followed by Labrador retrievers at 7, and Jack Russell terriers in third place, with six.

So far this year, Staffordshire bull terriers have been the most dumped breed, followed by Staffordshire bull terrier crosses, at 14 and 6, and Jack Russells, German Shepherds and Labradors in joint third with four each.

Dog wardens

Cllr Anna Smith, the authority lead on streets and parks, said: “Cambridge City Council dog wardens work hard across all areas of the city to respond to all complaints of dog fouling, stray dogs and other dog related issues. Some of their areas of work are set by Cambridge residents themselves as priorities via the Area Committee ‘Environmental Reports’.”

The city council website states: “Dogs found to be straying will often be picked up by our dog warden. In the first instance you should contact us on 01223 457900 to see if we have picked up your dog. If we have not picked up your dog a lost dog report will be added to the Council’s lost dog register, and if we then find your dog you will be contacted.

“Even if the dog warden has no knowledge of your pet, it is worth calling the local animal shelter anyway - someone may have taken the dog directly there, or it may have wandered into another local authority area.

“You can contact Wood Green Animal Shelter on 0300 303 9333.”

The council is entitled to charge expenses reasonably incurred, which can include a statuary fee of £25.

The cost of reclaiming dogs found during office hours is £139.70 and £157.00 for other times.

Kennelling charges per day are £12.30.

The council warns that any dog found wandering alone in a public place is classed as a stray and will be dealt with by the dog warden under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and there may be an additional offence under the Road Traffic Act 1988 if the dog was found on a public highway.